Panchaloha, (also known as Panchdhatu) is Sanskrit for a term in metallurgy (the scientific discipline concerning metals). Panchloha refers to traditional alloys made of five metals considered precious as per the Shilpa Shastra. Certain Vedas (Holy Scripture in the Hindu religion) talk about the arts; even old Sanskrit texts like the Shilparatna (in particular) contain detailed descriptions about the methods and guiding rules behind the making of religious idols.

These five metals are gold, silver, copper, zinc and tin. The ancient text has specifics jotted down, for instance; the equipment to be used in the processes, proportions, stance (of the deities) and their expressions. These were to be strictly adhered to when creating the temple idols.

It is also believed (probably as a result of it being in the scriptures) that jewellery made of this special mix called panchdhatu could have a positive effect on the wearer. It was said to bring to the one who had possession of it, all things good; fortune, peace (of mind), poise, success and stability. You could say that the belief is in the mind of the beholder.

It turns out that Copper is a vital mineral necessary (in relatively small amounts) for survival. The liver, brain, heart, kidneys and skeletal muscle house most of the copper in the human body. It is required for the formation of collagen (a fibrous protein in bone and cartilage) it also helps with the production of energy.

You’ll know you have a possible copper deficiency if there’s a noticeable depigmentation (loss of colour) of skin and hair. Deficiency can also affect growth and neurological function; it can heighten the risk of acquiring infections and cause a loss of bone tissue which in turn makes bones susceptible to breaking. The aforementioned collagen provides support to the bones and produces or replaces connective tissue; the absence of both can lead to joint dysfunction among many other problems.

Everything should be in moderation. So it is needless to say that an excess of the same can also lead to a host of problems.

This should substantiate the significance of copper as a part of the human anatomy.

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Tiny amounts of copper can be absorbed through the skin and while copper jewellery generally doesn’t cause any side effect (those with skin allergies aren’t in question here) apart from a bluish-green discoloration of the skin (it is the deposit that comes off of the metal and can be washed off easily). In the olden days, copper compounds were used in medicine. The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans; made use of the metal in various methods to quicken the healing of wounds, to treat skin, inflammatory and neurological disorders.

Copper bracelets were also considered medicinal in nature to relieve muscular and joint pain. The only objection to it being that the skin is not the normal means for the absorption of nutrition; this was more acceptable in ancient traditions concerning medicinal treatment. However, research shows that minerals from the metal do get absorbed in certain quantities through the skin that otherwise may not be as effective via the gastrointestinal route.

Now, if a person has a copper deficiency, the best (and obvious) recourse is to consult a physician.

Having said that, precautions can be taken by eating the right kind of food which include almonds, chocolate, shellfish, meat and mushrooms. Copper is also added to strengthen food; supplements for copper are also available for consumption. So there a number of recourses that can be taken up to maintain the balance that copper constitutes in the human body.

No, this isn’t about silver bullets, nor is it about thirty pieces of silver.

(Image of earrings courtesy of Jewel Sutra by Narayan Jewellers)

This is about one of seven metals of antiquity. Antiquity; meaning, seven metals that go as far back as the pre-historic era, where usefulness to mankind is concerned. These are gold, silver, iron, copper, lead, mercury and tin. Of these, silver is among the metals that are considered native (though it occurs as an alloy as well), which means they occur in their natural form as pure metals and in relatively large amounts as compared to others and deteriorating silver forms a blackish film called tarnish which is most common. Silver, in antiquity has been used for aesthetic purposes and for monetary purposes more than anything else.

With time, it has proved much more useful. Silver is used as jewellery, for monetary exchange, it is used as silverware, its compounds in traditional photographic processes, as a conductor in the electric industry, in X-Rays and in other forms of medicine. Silver may denote second-best in most cases when compared to gold but in some instances, it is second to none. For instance; medicine. It is used in the treatment of external wounds and dressings thereof, in dentistry and orthopaedics (silver and its alloys are sometimes used as a replacement for bone in cranial surgeries) and as an antimicrobic in various applications.

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Silver, when worn, as adornments no less, has been said to help control energy levels to an extent because of its natural attributes (positively-charged silver ions help reflect electromagnetic radiation away from the body) that improve circulation and body temperature; which in turn improve the functioning of the immune system.

Indian customs where silver jewellery is concerned seem to have a science behind why certain pieces are used as adornments. Silver is considered as a metal that reacts well with the earth’s energies, which is why anklets and toe rings made of silver are worn. Indians believe that in order for you to stay healthy, your prana or life force (this runs right down to your toes) must be well balanced and this can be taken care of with toe rings made of silver which is considered a good conductor, it is believed to absorb energy from the earth and pass it to the body in turn.

The mention of gold as a precious metal goes back as far as the Neolithic era (10,200 BC). It was uncommon and hence highly valued (still is) and did not corrode like other metals which made it all the more ideal to stand in as currency, adornment as jewellery and décor; all of which are symbols of position (both, social/rank and financial/wealth) and might.

The purest form of naturally available gold can also contain some percentage of other metals but they can be separated using a process called fire assaying which, leaves solely pure gold in the end.

Due to its ductile nature gold can be moulded to fit various purposes; gold thread woven into textile, for purposes of dental work, and for ornamentation via an array of techniques, some of which are – engraving, embossing, inlaying, moulding, filigree; where the gold is pulled into wire and twisted into different designs, granulation which is surface decoration with small granules of gold fused together and chasing.

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Gold has been known to have healing properties to a certain extent. In the olden days specifically, the belief was that 24 carat gold (not alloyed with other metals) could control infections and help cure sores. Acupuncturists used to use needles made of gold and silver, the gold apparently provided warm vibrations that would alleviate pain. It was believed that gold expanded the tissues and relaxed the injury; helping the body to quicken the process of repair. There are claims of gold jewellery worn in contact with the skin that has improved and relieved certain symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis to a significant extent. Gold bands worn around the head (by those who could afford such luxuries) were said to act as a conductor of energy where it would direct energy from a stronger pinnacle to one that was weak and not functioning as well.

With so many benefits, its intrinsic value notwithstanding; there have been many failed attempts at reproducing gold through alchemy over the years.